The U.S. Army has ordered six additional Boeing CH-47F Block II Chinook heavy-lift helicopters under Lots 4 and 5 contracts valued at $461 million, bringing the total contracted aircraft to 18 in a rapid fielding initiative. This procurement accelerates modernization of the Army’s vertical lift fleet for large-scale combat operations.
Boeing has already delivered six Block II production helicopters, now undergoing operational evaluation to validate enhanced performance. Prior orders included three aircraft under a December 2024 Lot 3 contract worth $135 million and earlier congressional-directed procurements for Lots 1 and 2.
The Block II upgrades existing CH-47F Block I aircraft with a strengthened airframe and drivetrain, boosting maximum gross weight to 54,000 pounds—up 1,800 kilograms from predecessors. Redesigned fuel systems extend range for nearly all payloads, enabling single-sortie missions that previously required two, reducing crew exposure and speeding operational tempo.
Key specs include a maximum speed of 302 km/h, service ceiling of 6,096 meters, and useful load of 12,565 kg. The variant incorporates a Modular Open Systems Approach for integrating future technologies like degraded visual environment sensors and semi-autonomous flight systems.
This fielding equips two Combat Aviation Brigades with improved payload, range, and sustainability, critical for contested logistics. International interest grows, with one partner nation committing to 60 aircraft.